The basilica Sagrada Familia

Antoni Gaudí's life work is an UNESCO world heritage

The Sagrada Familia is one of the most famous landmarks in Barcelona. Since 1882 it was built at the church in the district Eixample built. From 1883 the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí took over the leadership of the works until his death in 1926. The building is significantly influenced by him. The church is such a huge size, so they often referred it as "cathedral", but without having a bishop's seat. Pope Benedict XVI. inaugurates the Sagrada Familia on November 7, 2010. The church building is raised to a basilica.

The Sagrada Familia is probably the most famous construction site in Europe.

Much time should allow for the visit of the details of the facades, where many embassies and biblical stories are hidden. With the completion in 2026 expected, the construction is financed solely from donations and ticket money. Currently, 8 out of 12 about 100 meters tall bell towers are completed. The higher towers of the facade of the glory will be built and the central dome with a height of over 170 meters. Currently, part of the cloister is the building of the apse dome.

The start of construction of the Sagrada Familia

Sagrada Familia, interesting sites

Mid-19th Century the booksellers José María Boca Bella , Chairman of the Holy Brotherhood, planned a church in Barcelona to build and to devote the Holy Family ( "Sagrada Familia"). The land he choose was a parcel within the "Poblet (village). He preferred a fundamental step closer to the city centre out. Because of the already high land prices this was not possible.

The planning of the church began with the architect of the Diocese Francisco del Villar. He designed a church in Gothic style and began in 1882 with the construction of the crypt. Because of fundamental disagreements with Boca Bella he had to resign from his job. A few months later in 1883, the young architect Antoni Gaudí took over his work.

Gaudí took place in the Sagrada Familia his life's work. He worked until his death on 10th June 1926.

The architect Antoni Gaudí

Barcelona's famous Art Nouveau architect, Antoni Gaudí, worked until his death at the Sagrada Familia.

Under Gaudí the church won because of their extensive dimension and its lush design with such importance that they soon called it "the Cathedral". Also Gaudí even called it, although they do not house a bishop. He was convinced that one day the city would be known as "his" church.

Gaudí shaped espacially the Sagrada Familia . Many new parts are built according to plans, which are hardly ever received and often depend on assumptions as the great architect had originally planned. Of course everyone is sure of one thing: the Church Sagrada family in case of completion in respect to all previously built churches of Christendom will surpass all in greatness.

As a church, the Sagrada Familia should not only be seen in the artistic point of view. It must be the consideration of building facades with its towers and even religion.

Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is the most visited monument in Spain. At peak times therefore sometimes one can queue in front of the house and cash in on the elevators of the towers which go up, on the other. The largest are the queues in the late morning. So if you dont want to stay in the queue, use the time to the cathedral from a distance, the two places right and left of the Sagrada Familia from them.

On the rear lifts, in the towers of the facade of the birth of Christ which goes up, the queue is much shorter. Do not return to down the lifts, use the stairs. Only then do you see the absolutely stunning spiral staircase.